Box Hill Men and Women dominated the first round of State League, with the men turning in one of their best performances in the last two seasons and the women continuing on from their Premiership last season.

WOMEN

BOX HILL 171

YARRA 82

RINGWOOD 78

EASTSIDE 51

Box Hill showed it will once again be the team to beat for the Premiership this season with a commanding win over somewhat disappointing opposition. Highlights for the night included Sandy Millner’s return to form in the 200 and a great run in her leg of the relay to narrowly miss running down former Box Hill athlete Jenny Marshall. In the 5000, Jocelyn Keage improved 32 seconds on her best time from last season to back up Anna Thomson. After a successful winter season, Jocelyn and Anna look like being hard to beat on the track. Other great performers on the night included Sarah Coghill in the 400Hurdles and 100Hurdles, Kerri Jorgensen finishing strongly to lead home our 800 contingent and the 400M Relay who easily won defeated their opposition. With athletes like Georgina Power and Brigid Isworth still to return the team is looking strong for the 2000/01 season.

MEN

Doncaster 104

Western Suburbs 97

Ringwood 93

After the struggle and disappointments of last season it was great to have a comfortable win in the first round. The outstanding form of Stephen Hooker, who single handedly scored 39 points for the club, lifted the team. Not only did he easily win his event, the Pole Vault, but he also took out his heat of the 110Hurdles and the High Jump. Other highlights on the night included new athlete Justin Clarke dominating his heat of the 200 and the relay, Cameron Baker’s big P.B. to qualify for the first time over 400Hurdles, our 800 team dominating the race and showing good early season form, and Marcus Tierney putting in a great finish to grab 2^nd place in the 5000 metres. Special mention should be made of Graeme Olden who once again ignored all medical advice and ran to qualify in the 5000, just in case it was going to be close when final points were counted. With quality athletes such as Julian Dwyer, Andrew Letherby and thrower Homelo Vi expected to return in the coming weeks, the team is looking forward to a successful season.